Acquisition of and imparting Deeni knowledge
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“The acquisition of (Deeni) knowledge is compulsory on every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)
This hadith proves
that it is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female, rich and poor,
city dweller and villager, to seek Deeni knowledge. Acquisition of Deeni
knowledge is not confined to the medium of the Arabic language. The
teachings of the Deen are to be required through the medium of either
Arabic books or non-Arabic books or by enquiring from reliable Ulama
or by listening to lectures of reliable and qualified lecturers. Women
who are unable to read and cannot reach any Alim, should through the
agency of their men-folk enquire from the Ulama about their Deeni requirements.sulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“O Abu
Zarr (a Sahaabi) if you go anywhere to learn one aayat of the Qur’aan,
it is better for you than a hundred rakaats (Nafl) Salaat; if you go
anywhere to acquire one law of the knowledge (of Deen), it is better
for you than performing a thousand rakaats (Nafl) Salaat, irrespective
of whether you practised on it (the knowledge) or not.”
(Ibn
Majah)
The immense value
and significance of Deeni knowledge are manifest from this hadith. Some
people contend that knowledge without practice is futile. This view
is erroneous because the hadith states with clarity the great merit
of acquiring Deeni knowledge even if one did not practise in accordance.
There are three reasons for this great significance of knowledge even
if one does not practise according to what has been acquired. These
are:
1. Knowledge
prevents one from going astray because of he realization of the truth.
This in itself is a great treasure.
2. Knowledge
of the Deen will, Insha’ Allah, induce one to act in accordance
with it sometime or the other. Insha’ Allah, a man of knowledge
will someday obtain the taufeeq to make amal (to practise according
to the demands of knowledge).
3. Knowledge
enables one to instruct other in the truth. One in possession of Deeni
knowledge is in a position to impart that knowledge thereby disseminating
the law of Allah Ta’ala. This too is of great merit and of tremendous
thawaab.Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“The noblest
charity is that a Muslim acquires some knowledge (of the Deen), then
imparts it to a brother Muslim.” (In Majah).
This hadith
urges the impartation of Deeni knowledge in whatever measure one has
acquired. Its thawaab is greater than all acts of charity. Subhaanallah!
How gracious is Allah! He bestows the greatest of thawaab for slight
effort of the tongue. Such huge amount of thawaab can never be attained
by expending even large sums of money in charity.
Allah Ta’ala
says:
“O people
of Iman! Save yourself and your families from the Fire.”
(Aayat 6, Al-Tahreem)
Explaining this aayat,
Hadhrat Ali Rasulullah (radiallahu anhu) says that it means:
“Teach
your family acts of virtue (i.e.) Deeni acts).”
It is manifest
from this aayat and hadith that teaching the Deen to one’s wife
and children is compulsory. Failing to discharge this obligatory duty
will result in the punishment of the Fire as stated in the aayat.
(All ahadith
mentioned so far have been taken from the kitaab, Targheeb)
Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said that among the good deeds of believers, which
will continue to build up (as capital) after one’s death is Deeni
knowledge which was imparted to others. This applies to even a single
mas’alah (rule) shown to another. Among such deeds. Is the dissemination
of the Deen for example by means of writing or purchasing books and
distributing these or by assisting students pursuing Deeni knowledge.
Also among the virtuous deeds, the thawaab of which will be perpetuated
after one’s death are pious children. The hadith mentions some
other acts of virtue as well in this regard.
(Ibn
Majah and Baihaqi)
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“No one
has given his children anything better than adab (which in this context
refers to Deeni knowledge).”
(Tirmizi
and Baihaqi)
Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said:
“Allah Ta’ala makes Jannat a surety for a man who looks
after three daughters or three sisters. He imparts knowledge to them;
is kind to them until such time that Allah Ta’ala relieves him
of their responsibility (i.e. until they get married).”
Someone then enquired regarding two daughters and Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) mentioned the same reward for caring for two daughters.
Another person enquired in regard to one daughter Rasullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said that this thawaab and significance are for caring
for even one daughter. (These ahadith have been extracted from Mishkaat).
Acquisition and teaching of Deeni knowledge being fardh (compulsory)
and the considerable thawaab therefore are established by these ahadith
(cited above) as well as by many other Ahadith. The highest degree for
such knowledge is that which qualifies one as an Aalim of the Deen.
However, all people do not have the ability, determination and opportunity
to become Ulama. Nevertheless, Deeni knowledge is incumbent upon all,
hence a simple method of acquiring such knowledge will be explained.
This simple method enables the general public to acquire Deeni knowledge,
thereby discharging their incumbent duty and obtaining the thawaab promised
in this regard. This simple way is as follows:
1. Those versant with the Urdu language should study authentic Urdu
books of the Deen, e.g. Beheshti Zewar, Taleemud Deen, Qasdus Sabeel,
Tableegh-e-Deen and Tasheelul Mawaaiz. These books should be studied
in lesson form from a reliable Alim. If the services of such a teacher
are not available then read and study these books on your own until
you fine someone able to teach you. Wherever you do not understand,
make a marks; seek clarification whenever you meet someone of knowledge.
Whatever knowledge you acquire in this way, impart it to others also.
Make a special effort to teach such knowledge which you have acquired
to your wife and children.
2. Those unable to read Urdu should endeavour to enlist the services
of one who is versant in Urdu. The instructor should read and explain
the books to his class. At the same time they should refer their Deeni
questions to him for explanation. It is best and most beneficial if
such a knowledgeable man can be engaged permanently. If necessary, he
should be paid a salary which should be the responsibility of the community.
All can contribute towards this salary. To raise a salary for an Ustad
is not at all difficult. People squander considerable amounts of money
on unnecessary and unlawful worldly luxuries. Contributing a bit towards
one’s own Deeni life which in reality is the capital and means
of one’s everlasting life in the Aakhirah, is no sacrifice. In
appointing a teacher and selecting the books for the syllabus do not
be directed by personal opinion and choice. Seek the advice of a pious
Alim.
3. Refer your affairs to some pious Alim so that you may know and understand
if your affairs and activities are in conformity with the Shariah. Whenever
you wish to embark on e venture, Deeni or worldly, and you are not certain
of the Shar’i ruling and requirements pertaining to that venture,
then seek the advice and guidance of a pious Alim. What you learn in
this way, impart it to others as well. Should you not have the opportunity
of going personally to such an Alim then seek his counsel and guidance
by means of a letter. To ensure a quick reply and to make it easy for
the Alim, enclose a self –addressed and prepaid postage envelope
in your letter.
4. Occasionally endeavour to meet pious Ulama; sit in their company
and listen to their talks and advice. It is very beneficial to go specially
to meet them. However, if you lack the means of going to meet them or
the opportunity does not arise and no such pious Alim is nearby, then
whenever such an opportunity comes your way take advantage of it and
spend some time in their company. When in the company of such an Alim
ask him about your Deeni affairs.
5. Another important duty is to occasionally invite a reliable and good
Deeni lecturer to your town or neighbourhood. When contemplating to
invite a lecturer, seek the advice of a pious Alim. Do not invite just
anyone. When listening to his wa’z (lecture) do so with great
attention so that the love and fear of Allah enter your heart. Practising
in accordance with the commands of the Deen will then be a simple matter.
The above is a brief explanation of several simple ways of learning
and teaching Deeni knowledge. Determination and steadfastness will result
in the easy acquisition of the essential teachings of the Deen.
In addition to the adoption of the aforementioned methods, it is essential
to abstain from two harms:
a. Never attend or participate in the gatherings and functions of the
kuffaar and those who have gone astray. Firstly, words of kufr and dhalaal
(deviation) produce darkness in the heart. Secondly, at such gatherings
there is the possibility of a Muslim being provoked; his Imaan may become
inflamed because of haraam acts being committed or statements of blasphemy
uttered. His anger may lead to dispute and strife. On the other had,
if one is unable to voice one’s anger, one will be overtaken by
depression and frustration. One’s peace of mind will be wrecked.
b. Refrain from disputes. In the majority of cases debates produce darkening
of the heart, ill-feeling and frustration.
Another very harmful effect of attending such gatherings and functions
and engaging in debates is doubt and confusion. A statement of falsehood
or kufr may throw the unqualified one, the one with insufficient knowledge
into great mental confusion. One may be influenced by the baatil and
due to insufficient knowledge the doubt will linger and not be dispelled.
Thus by attending such functions one unnecessarily invites great spiritual
calamity upon oneself. One attends at the peril of one’s Iman.
Should anyone attempt to goad you into a debate, refuse firmly and refer
him to the Ulama.
Adherence to these instructions and methods, will Insha’ Allah,
ensure Deeni and Imani health. You will be fortified spiritually and
morally; you will be saved from the diseases which attack the Deen.
May Allah Ta’ala assist you and grant you Taufeeq.